3D Mask Folding Structure for Lower Breathing Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D masks suffer from high breathing resistance and limited contact area due to the need for folds to maintain a supporting space, leading to discomfort and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A 3D mask design featuring longitudinal folding lines and adjustable segments to allow for maximum ventilation and support, with a front blocking piece that can be folded to match the length of upper and lower shielding pieces, and a mask string for customizable tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If folds are provided at specific locations to maintain supporting space, then the mask provides adequate support between mask and face, but the breathing resistance increases and contact area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The front blocking piece is divided into multiple segments by introducing longitudinal folding lines, creating a segmented structure that can expand laterally while maintaining support. This segmentation allows the mask to provide adequate supporting space without restricting lateral expansion, thereby reducing breathing resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding lines extend in the longitudinal direction (vertical dimension) while allowing lateral expansion in the transverse direction. This dimensional approach maintains the supporting space vertically while enabling horizontal expansion to increase contact area and reduce breathing resistance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If folds are provided at specific locations to maintain supporting space, then the mask structure is stable, but the contact area with external environment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the front blocking piece through longitudinal folding lines, the mask structure maintains stability while the segmented sections can expand laterally to increase the contact area with the external environment, allowing more folds without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding lines create a dynamic structure that can adapt its shape. The front blocking piece can transition between a compressed state for storage and an expanded state for use, allowing the mask to provide adequate support while maximizing contact area when needed.
3Area of stationary object
If the front blocking piece is made longer to increase contact area, then the breathing area increases, but the mask cannot be folded for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The front blocking piece is segmented into multiple sections by longitudinal folding lines, allowing it to be folded into a compact form for storage while maintaining the ability to expand to a longer configuration when worn, thus providing adequate breathing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded structure allows the front blocking piece to nest within itself or with other mask components when not in use, creating a compact storage form factor while maintaining the extended configuration during use for adequate breathing area.
4Strength
If the mask is made more rigid to provide supporting space, then the mask maintains its shape, but the adaptability to different head profiles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure is segmented by folding lines that create independent sections capable of moving relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mask to maintain overall shape and providing support while adapting to different head profiles through the flexibility of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mask have different degrees of flexibility. The front blocking piece can be locally flexible to adapt to different nose and mouth shapes, while the overall mask structure maintains sufficient rigidity through the folding line configuration to provide adequate supporting space.
Data Source
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AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) mask includes a front blocking piece, and bendable upper and lower shielding pieces connected to an upper and a lower edge of the front blocking piece, respectively. When the upper and lower shielding pieces are unfolded from the front blocking piece, the three pieces together define a covering space for accommodating a user's mouth and nose. The front blocking piece includes at least one longitudinal folding line that changes an original transverse length of the front blocking piece into a target transverse length matching the length of the upper and lower shielding pieces and enables the front blocking piece to have increased air contact area within limited transverse length and accordingly, reduced breathing resistance. The longitudinal folding line also provides the covering space with increased supporting force, preventing the 3D mask from collapsing easily when the user breathes.